Honda is reported to be expanding a recall in North America to encompass more than 600,000 Accords. The recall is to address a potential power steering fluid leak problem that could cause a fire under the bonnet.
According to documents filed with the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), Honda is recalling 573,147 Accords in the US equipped with V6 engines from model years 2003 through 2007. In Canada, the number of affected Accords is 30,058, Reuters quotes a company spokesman as confirming.
The addition of the Accords to already recalled Acura TL cars from model years 2007 and 2008 raises the number of affected vehicles in the US and Canada to 660,086.
According to Honda, the power steering hose in the affected cars may deteriorate prematurely due to high temperatures, resulting in cracks and leaks that could cause a loss of power steering assistance or smoke and possibly a fire. The OEM has said no crashes or injuries have been reported related to the issue, but one engine fire has been reported.
The company has acknowledged an updated power steering hose necessary for the affected Accords will not be available until early 2013 and has stated that any owners who feel their cars exhibit symptoms related to a power steering hose leak should visit a dealer for an interim repair. Owners will be notified by mail next year when the new hoses are ready for installation, but initial notification of the issue will begin later this month.
The parts for the Accords are different from those used in the affected Acuras. In May 2012, Honda announced the recall of 56,881 Acuras, including 52,615 in the US.
